[Angelina Marie]

It matters so much. Political socialization shapes how we vote, protest, or even whether we believe in the system at all. That’s why education, honest media, and diverse conversations are so important, it influences the next generation of voters.

[Angelina Marie]

Start with Why – your mission has to be crystal clear. Then look into your state’s nonprofit laws, because incorporation comes before anything else. Once you’ve filed your Articles of Incorporation, apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. It’s a lot of paperwork, but if your purpose is strong, it’s worth it!

[Angelina Marie]

Best Political Magazines by Focus and Perspective

Whether you’re into investigative journalism, ideological takes, or deep cultural analysis, there’s a political magazine out there for you. Here’s a breakdown by interest:

📰 Mainstream & Well-Respected

• The Atlantic
  

• Known for: In-depth reporting, politics + culture coverage

• Vibe: Center-left, intellectual

• Why read it: Essays and long-form pieces that explore political nuance

[Angelina Marie]

Getting involved in soup kitchen volunteering in LA is a fantastic way to see beyond your own neighborhood and understand the diverse realities across our vast county. In the Valley, for instance, the need might look different than downtown, but it’s definitely here – families, seniors, the working poor. I’d suggest looking at organizations like MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) or local food banks that partner with pantries. The process usually involves an online application and maybe a short orientation. Politically, it’s vital because it builds empathy and shows our elected officials that their constituents care about these issues deeply and are willing to put in the work. It’s about weaving a stronger community fabric, one meal, one volunteer shift at a time.

[Angelina Marie]

A political science degree can take you in a lot of directions—public service, campaigns, law school, consulting, even journalism. But the trick is to not stop at the degree. Get experience. Volunteer, intern, network. If you do that, it’s not so much about whether the degree is ‘hard’—it’s about how you use it.

[Angelina Marie]

So, your number might’ve come from a few different places. Political campaigns can access voter rolls with your name, address, and sometimes your phone number if you listed it. Plus, if you signed a petition, donated, or even gave your number to another org, that data might’ve been shared with campaigns.

[Angelina Marie]

If you’re serious about digging deep, I highly recommend The Fog of War (2003) and The War Room (1993). The first dives into military and foreign policy with Robert McNamara, and the second gives a raw look at the Clinton campaign’s strategy. They’re not flashy—but they’re brilliant.

[Angelina Marie]

Look, art is powerful. It can inspire, it can outrage, it can mobilize. During elections, we see how art can be used to connect with people on a visceral level, especially those who might not be reached by traditional campaigning. Murals, street art, even performance art – these can bring complex political issues down to earth and make them relatable. It’s about creating a shared experience, a feeling of solidarity.

[Angelina Marie]

Ah, the nuances of tax-exempt organizations. A ‘nonprofit’ is a broad term, referring to any organization that doesn’t distribute profits to its members. ‘Charity’ is a subset of nonprofits, specifically those with altruistic purposes. A ‘501(c)(3)’ is a specific tax-exempt status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which allows organizations to receive tax-deductible donations. It’s not a category itself, but a designation.

[Angelina Marie]

Navigating the Intersection of LLCs and Nonprofits

Understanding the Basics

• Limited Liability Company (LLC):

• A business structure offering liability protection to its owners.

• Designed for profit-making activities.

• Subject to business taxes.

[Angelina Marie]

Starting a Nonprofit: A Comprehensive Guide:

I. Defining Your Mission and Vision

1. Identify the Need:

⦿ What problem are you trying to solve?

⦿ Is there a gap in existing services?

Conduct thorough research to ensure your mission is unique and necessary.

2. Craft Your Mission Statement:

⦿ A clear, concise statement outlining your organization’s purpose.

⦿ It should answer: What do you do? Who do you serve? Why do you do it?

3. Develop Your Vision:

⦿ A long-term, aspirational view of the impact you want to create.

⦿ What does success look like?

II. Legal and Administrative Steps

1. Choose a Legal Structure:

⦿ Typically, nonprofits are structured as 501(c)(3) organizations (in the U.S.).

⦿ Consult with a legal professional to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

2. File Articles of Incorporation:

⦿ Register your organization with the state.

⦿ This establishes your nonprofit as a legal entity.

3. Create Bylaws:

⦿ Internal rules governing your organization’s operations.

⦿ Include details about board structure, meetings, and decision-making processes.

4. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN):

⦿ Required by the IRS for tax purposes.

5. Apply for 501(c)(3) Status:

⦿ File Form 1023 with the IRS to gain tax-exempt status.

⦿ This process can be complex and time-consuming.

III. Building Your Organization

1. Assemble a Board of Directors:

⦿ A diverse group of individuals with relevant skills and experience.

⦿ They provide oversight and guidance.

2. Develop a Business Plan:

⦿ Outline your programs, services, funding strategies, and operational plans.

⦿ This is crucial for securing funding and ensuring sustainability.

3. Establish Financial Systems:

⦿ Implement accounting procedures and controls.

⦿ Maintain accurate records for transparency and accountability.

4. Develop a Fundraising Strategy:

⦿ Identify potential funding sources (grants, donations, fundraising events).

⦿ Build relationships with donors and foundations.

IV. Launching and Growing Your Nonprofit

1. Develop Programs and Services:

⦿ Design programs that align with your mission and meet the needs of your target population.

⦿ Evaluate program effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.

2. Build Community Partnerships:

⦿ Collaborate with other organizations to maximize impact.

⦿ Engage with community members and stakeholders.

3. Promote Your Organization:

⦿ Develop a marketing and communications strategy.

⦿ Utilize social media, website, and other channels to raise awareness.

4. Maintain Compliance:

⦿ Continue to file all necessary paperwork with state and federal agencies.

⦿ Remain up to date on all legal changes.

[Angelina Marie]

I. Core Concepts:

• A. Not-for-Profit:

• This is a broad term describing any organization that operates without the primary goal of generating profits for owners or shareholders.

• These organizations may still generate revenue, but that revenue is reinvested into the organization’s mission.

• Examples include community clubs, amateur sports leagues, and some social welfare groups.

[Angelina Marie]

Oh, CRM… it’s supposed to be important, right? We’ve been using spreadsheets and sticky notes for years, and honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming to think about switching. I’ve heard Salesforce is good, but it seems so complicated and expensive. Is there anything simpler, something that won’t require a PhD in computer science to operate? We really just need to keep track of our donors and maybe send out some emails. Something affordable too, since our budget is tighter than ever.

[Angelina Marie]

Political humor? It’s the best way to stay engaged with the world while still having a good laugh! These comedians make politics bearable, sometimes even fun:

• Jimmy Kimmel – His political sketches and monologues are hilarious and often get to the heart of current events.

• Conan O’Brien – Known for his funny skits, he often makes sharp, witty comments on political events.

• John Stewart – The original political satirist. You can’t forget his legacy of combining humor with activism.

• Chelsea Handler – She uses her platform to mock political leaders in an unapologetic and funny way.

• <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>Dave Chappelle – His comedic genius often touches on politics, race, and society, and it’s both funny and thought-provoking. They’ve made laughing at the news a whole lot easier.

[Angelina Marie]

Oh, I absolutely love political thrillers! They bring together the drama of politics with intense storytelling. Here are my top picks for any political movie buff:

• The Ghost Writer – A mysterious tale about a former Prime Minister’s ghostwriter.

• The Lives of Others – A gripping story about surveillance under the East German regime.

• Bridge of Spies – Real history, incredible drama, and a dash of Cold War tension.

• Body of Lies – A brilliant take on modern espionage in the Middle East.

• Argo – The best kind of political thriller, based on a true story about rescuing American hostages during the Iran hostage crisis.

These films capture everything from intrigue to international politics. They’re both entertaining and a little eye-opening!